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​April 27, 2016Magistrate Jacqueline RateauFederal Prosecutor Eric MartinezSamaritans: Sara BuseyVisitors: Ten University of Michigan graduate social work students in a border issue class; a group of adults who have protested the School of the Americas, led by Lois Martin (No More Deaths).

Today, 49 migrants had their day in court at Operation Streamline. Convicted of illegal entry and sentenced in less than 60 minutes, all will serve collectively 3225 days in prison at a cost to U.S. taxpayers of $519,225. When discharged, all will have criminal records, making it nearly impossible to return legally to the U.S.

Three were excused due to language issues. Juana Orozco-Guzman (16-23990M) had her hearing continued until May 9th as lawyer Zapata felt she wasn’t understanding the legal issues he presented in Spanish.

Another women, Nieves Jean Carlos Medina-Trejo (16-24004M), apologized to the court for entering illegally. With tears, she said she hadn’t wanted to come to the U.S, but her child needs medical care.

Salatiel Cipriano-Garcie (16-23981M) requested deportation at any border city other than Douglas. His life had been threatened in Douglas and he feared being deported there. Rateau said she would recommend that.

No requests for specific prisons, return of belongings or amnesty.

I spoke with the U. of Michigan students prior to court and distributed written information. They had walked in the desert the day before with Scott Nickelson.